Flower library · Vase and office · Pooja
Aster
The aster sold in Indian flower markets is the China aster, Callistephus chinensis, a bushy annual with daisy-like or fully double flowers in purple, pink, white and mixed shades. It is used loose for offering, strung into garlands and venis, and sold on stems for vases. It is inexpensive and holds up better than many loose flowers.
Callistephus chinensis · Aster · China aster
Season
Winter and spring in the north and central India, roughly October–March; available for much of the year from southern growers
Vase life
7–10 days in a vase; 2–3 days loose
Colours
Purple, Violet, Pink, White, Mixed
Grown in
Grown as a commercial flower crop mainly in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal
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How to pick fresh
Family Asteraceae
- aFresh aster heads are full, with crisp petals and a firm centre; no brown or curled petal tips.
- bOn stems, the leaves should be green and firm, not yellow or slimy.
- cBuy stems with a few flowers open and some half-open for the longest vase life.
- dA sour smell from a bunch or blackened stem ends means it is old.
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Aster in pooja
Aster is used as a general offering flower at home shrines and temples, especially in south India and Maharashtra, where it is strung into garlands for deities. It is not tied to one deity by tradition and is generally treated as suitable for daily worship.
Its range of colours makes it a common addition to mixed pooja packs and garlands, alongside marigold and chrysanthemum. Families that prefer particular colours for particular deities choose accordingly.
Daily pooja flowers in Pune, by 7 am · from ₹1,600 a month →03
Keeping it fresh
- For vases, strip leaves below the water line, re-cut stems on a slant and change the water every two days.
- Keep loose flowers wrapped in damp paper in the fridge.
- Keep vases away from direct sun, fans and fruit bowls.
- Remove spent heads from a stem to keep the rest looking fresh.
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Where it is used
- Offered loose at home shrines and temples.
- Strung into garlands and venis, often with marigold and chrysanthemum.
- Used as a long-lasting cut flower in home and office vases.
- Used in stage and mandap décor at events for its range of colours.
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Aster in your city
Aster is easily available in Pune and lasts a week or more in a vase in the cool months.
Aster is at its best in Delhi in winter; in summer heat change vase water daily.
Aster is available in Indore through the cooler months; keep loose flowers refrigerated in summer.
Winter aster in Chandigarh lasts well in vases; summer supply is thinner.
Aster is common in Mumbai markets; the humidity shortens loose flower life to about two days.
Bangalore is close to large aster-growing areas and has good supply for most of the year.
Aster reaches Hyderabad from nearby growers and keeps well in vases outside peak summer.
Ahmedabad's dry heat wilts loose aster quickly, so keep it in the fridge until use.
Aster is widely sold in Kolkata; in the humid months change vase water every day.
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Get it delivered
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Questions
How long do aster flowers last in a vase?
With clean water changed every two days and stems re-cut, aster lasts about seven to ten days in a vase. Loose flowers last two to three days.
Can aster flowers be used for pooja?
Yes. Aster is widely used as an offering flower and in garlands, especially in south India and Maharashtra, and is generally treated as suitable for daily worship.
Is aster the same as chrysanthemum (sevanti)?
No. Both are in the daisy family and are often sold together, but aster is Callistephus chinensis and sevanti is chrysanthemum. Some markets use the names loosely.
What colours does aster come in?
Purple and violet are the most common, followed by pink and white. Mixed-colour bunches are widely sold.
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